St Ives Things to See and Do

Planning a staycation? You’re spoilt for choice in St Ives, which is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. Whether you’re here for two days or two weeks, there are plenty of activities within a short walk of the town centre that make for brilliant days out. From theatres to surfing there’s more than enough to ensure you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. If you and the family find yourself stuck for plans however, then look no further than this list. We’ve handpicked a selection of our favourite St Ives days out for you to enjoy.


St Ives has a unique and vibrant history, so why not take a Guided Tour of St Ives and delve into the town’s rich heritage and colourful past. For a spookier option, immerse yourself in the darker side of St Ives and try a lantern ghost story walk with Shanty Baba. There’s also the St.Ives Comedy walk, ‘history with a humorous twist’: a hilariously funny and quirky take on the town’s heritage, to be taken with a pinch of salt. Don’t miss the St.Ives Pirate Walk too, a swashbuckling high seas adventure of pirate stories, instruction in the code and buried treasure.

Rest those legs and spot Cornwall’s wildlife by train! Enjoy one of the best scenic short train journeys in Britain on the St Ives Bay Line. Winding along the edge of the tide you’ll witness thousands of seabirds, rolling sand dunes and cliffs with stunning views of boats bobbing on the sea. Or jump in the sea yourself with St.Ives Surf School, with trained instructors on a blue flag beach in the centre of St Ives. Open seven days a week, the surf school provides a wide range of surf coaching, be it beginner, intermediate or advanced. Or if cycling is more your thing you could always hire one of the electric bikes from St Ives Bikes – ideal for getting up those steep hills in and out of the town, if you fancy an adventure out of St Ives for the day!

For an afternoon of entertainment, check out Kidz R Us, a St Ives-based Youth Theatre company and registered charity. Founded in 1994, it performs a full programme of shows throughout the year from pantomimes to musicals – with something for everybody. Alternatively you can visit St.Ives Leisure Centre, a fully equipped modern leisure centre with spectacular views of St.Ives and the bay from the pool and gym. For something a little different, why not try a unique afternoon of chocolate making? Workshops for all ages are available at Coco Kitchen, St Ives’ very own artisanal chocolate shop. Spend a delicious afternoon creating, moulding and decorating chocolate treats – and eat the result!

St Ives Surf School

St Ives Surf School Visit

KIDZ R US

KIDZ R US Visit

Nemo St Ives

Nemo St Ives Visit

For a truly unique take on this historic seaside town, hop aboard St’ Ives’ very own “James Stevens No 10” for an unforgettable St Ives Boat Trip. After being neglected for many years, this former Lifeboat has been restored to her former glory following a three-year restoration programme. On your voyage, learn more about the boat’s history, packed with shipwrecks and heroic rescues as you enjoy a serene trip around the historic St Ives Bay. Trips are for up to 12 passengers, sea dogs are also very welcome.

For an alternative perspective of St Ives Harbour, join the Nemo Underwater Sea Safari, a glass-bottom boat with eight spectacular viewing panels! It’s the perfect opportunity for spotting all the sealife St Ives has to offer, including Atlantic Grey Seals and pods of Dolphins if you’re lucky! Whether you head East towards Godrevy Lighthouse or take a trip to Seal Island, this is a fantastic day out for all ages!


So you have your days planned out and you’re excited to explore our cobbled streets, now it’s time to book your perfect holiday home.  Check out our wonderful selection of St Ives Self-Catering Cottage and Holiday Homes for the ideal base for your adventures.

Interested in seeing the coast from your accommodation?

View our sea-view cottages in St Ives

Guided Tour of St Ives

Guided Tour of St Ives

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KIDZ R US

Kidz R Us, Saint Ives, UK

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Nemo St Ives

nemo st ives

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Shanty Baba

Shanty Baba’s Lantern Ghost Storywalk, St Ives Cornwall, Westcotts Quay, Saint Ives, UK

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St Ives Bikes

St Ives eBikes, Alexandra Road, Saint Ives, UK

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St Ives Comedy Walk

Saint Ives TR26 2DY, UK

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St Ives Leisure Centre

St Ives Leisure Centre, St Ives, Cornwall, UK

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St Ives Pirate Walk

St Ives Pirate Walk, Saint Ives, UK

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St Ives Surf School

St Ives Surf School, Saint Ives, UK

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